Komissarova was brought to a hospital near the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park and the decision was made to operate there instead of transporting her down the mountain.

The 23-year-old Russian was practicing on a sunny morning on the 1,200-meter course, which has sharply banked turns and big jumps.

International ski federation spokeswoman Jenny Wiedeke said the accident occurred on a series of jumps near the top of the course and that Komissarova fell while exiting the third jump. Komissarova was taken by sled to the medical services tent, and from there to the hospital.

The team doctor, Mirzali Samedov, said the skier has a broken and dislocated spine.